Thais mourn king’s death

BANGKOK (AFP) – Millions of Thais donned black Friday as the grieving nation prepared to hold traditional Buddhist ceremonies for revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose death leaves the country facing an uncertain new era.

Bhumibol, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, passed away at 88 on Thursday after a long battle with ill health, removing a stabilising father figure in a country where political tensions are still raw two years after a military coup.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, is the king’s named successor, but has made a surprise request to delay formally becoming the next king, according to the junta leader who appealed for citizens to accept the decision and “not cause chaos.”

Officials prepared to move the monarch’s body on Friday from the hospital where he died to the Grand Palace, a complex of glittering temples and pavilions in the heart of the capital.

Large crowds are expected to pour onto the streets for the procession from Siriraj Hospital where the king spent much of the last two years battling an array of ailments.

A statement from the palace said the Crown Prince would preside over a ceremony to bathe the king’s body – a traditional Buddhist funeral rite. His remains will then lie in state for weeks and months of palace rituals.

Many Thais on Friday opted to dress in black and white, both mourning colours in Thailand, as they went about their business.

“I am very sad, I was born under this king,” Arunee Sahathongthai, 49, told AFP as she bought a pair of black trousers at a market in Bangkok, saying that Thais were “united in grief.”